Interfacial Effect-Induced Electrocatalytic Activity of Spinel Cobalt Oxide in Methanol Oxidation Reaction

In this study, spinel cobalt oxide (Co₃O₄) nanoparticles without combining with any other metal atoms have been decorated through the influence of two hard templating agents, viz., zeolite-Y and carboxy-functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (COOH-MWCNT). The adornment of the Co₃O₄ nanoparticles, through the combined impact of the aluminosilicate and carbon framework has resulted in quantum interference, causing the reversal of signatory Raman peaks of Co₃O₄. Apart from the construction of small Co₃O₄ nanoparticles at the interface of the two matrices, the particles were aligned along the direction of COOH-MWCNT. The catalyst Co₃O₄-Y-MWCNT exhibited excellent catalytic activity toward the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) in comparison to Co₃O₄-Y, Co₃O₄-MWCNT, and bared Co₃O₄ with the current density of 0.92 A mg^-1 at an onset potential of 1.33 V versus RHE. The material demonstrated persistent electrocatalytic activity up to 300 potential cycles and 20,000 s without substantial current density loss. High surface area of zeolite-Y in combination with the excellent conductivity of the COOH-MWCNT enhanced the electrocatalytic performance of the catalyst. The simplicity of synthesis, scale-up, and remarkable electrocatalytic activity of the catalyst Co₃O₄-Y-MWCNT provided an effective way toward the development of anode materials for direct methanol fuel cells.